Police: Cumberland teachers may have provided alcohol to students on trip

By News Staff

news@Abc6.com

The Cumberland School Department is responding following allegations that Cumberland High School students drank alcohol provided to them by teachers on a school trip to Ecuador.

Superintendent Phil Thornton issued a statement Wednesday saying:

"On Monday morning (7/13), the high school principal received information regarding alleged inappropriate actions that occurred during a school sanctioned trip. He immediately brought it to the attention of the central administration and the school department began an internal investigation. That investigation concluded Thursday. As we began the termination process, the teachers tendered their resignation. The Cumberland School Department has zero tolerance for such behavior. I view this as a professional and personal betrayal of the public trust, as a violation of the trust our entire community placed in these individuals. They have no place in our school system. We have no further comment on this matter."

Cumberland Police Chief John Desmarais says two of his detectives are investigating the allegations that the alcohol may have been provided by the teachers in question.

We are told a parent went to the police station on Friday to file a complaint.

Chief Desmarais says detectives are interviewing students and parents as well as teachers who went on the trip. 

He also said that because the alleged incidents happened in a foreign country, local police may not have jurisdiction to charge anyone. However, Cumberland Police are continuing the investigation to give parents peace of mind.

ABC6 will have more on this investigation as details become available.

© WLNE-TV 2015